Endoscope system, biopsy-sample container, method of obtaining biopsy samples, and method of processing biopsy samples

Abstract

A sample container containing a biopsy sample obtained by an instrument is arranged in the operation section of an endoscope. The sampling means of an instrument inserted into the subject through the instrument channel of the endoscope is used, obtaining a biopsy sample. The biopsy sample is introduced from the instrument into the sample container arranged in the operation section, without pulling the instrument outside. The sample obtained can therefore be stabilized fast and be preserved fresh. The biopsy sample is prevented from being contaminated and from contaminating the environment. The sample can therefore undergo accurate examinations and diagnoses.

1 . An endoscope system comprising: 
 an endoscope having:    an insertion section which is to be inserted into a subject;    an operation section which is coupled to a proximal end of the insertion section and arranged outside the subject;    an instrument channel which is arranged in the insertion section and extends from the operation section to a distal end of the insertion section; and    observation means for observing an interior of the subject; and    an instrument having:    an instrument insertion unit which is to be inserted into the subject through the instrument channel;    sample-obtaining means arranged at the distal end of the instrument insertion unit and configured to obtain a biopsy sample; and    receptacle means arranged at the operation section and configured to contain the biopsy sample obtained by the instrument.    
   
   
       2 . The endoscope system according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 the operation section has passage-switching means provided in middle part of the instrument channel, for switching a communication state between a first communication state in which an input port of the instrument channel communicates with an output port of the instrument channel and a second communication state in which the inlet port of the instrument channel communicate with the receptacle means.    
   
   
       3 . The endoscope system according to  claim 2 , wherein 
 the receptacle means has at least one container configured to contain a biopsy sample and is able to be removed from the operation section and to be replaced by another.    
   
   
       4 . The endoscope system according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 the receptacle means has a filter configured to separate a biopsy sample into a solid sample and a liquid sample.    
   
   
       5 . The endoscope system according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 the receptacle means comprises identification means for identifying a biopsy sample to be introduced into the receptacle means.    
   
   
       6 . The endoscope system according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 the receptacle means comprises a receptacle device configured to hold a biopsy sample and having:    a container which is configured to contain a biopsy sample; and    a receptacle unit which is removably attached to the endoscope and configured to hold the container.    
   
   
       7 . The endoscope system according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 the receptacle means has a receptacle device which is configured to hold the biopsy sample obtained and which contains a reagent for treatment the biopsy sample.    
   
   
       8 . The endoscope system according to  claim 7 , wherein 
 the reagent is an agent for treatment biopsy samples.    
   
   
       9 . The endoscope system according to  claim 7 , wherein 
 the reagent is an agent for treatment nucleic acid, protein, cells, tissues or blood.    
   
   
       10 . The endoscope system according to claims  7 , wherein 
 the reagent is contained in gel.    
   
   
       11 . The endoscope system according to claims  7 , wherein 
 the receptacle means comprises stirring means for stirring the reagent and the biopsy sample in the container.    
   
   
       12 . The endoscope system according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 the receptacle means comprises temperature-adjusting means.    
   
   
       13 . The endoscope system according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 the biopsy sample obtained by the sample-obtaining means is a biopsy tissue, cells, body fluid, blood or secretion.    
   
   
       14 . A biopsy-sample container for use in an endoscope system comprising: 
 an endoscope having:    an insertion section which is to be inserted into a subject;    an operation section which is coupled to a proximal end of the insertion section and arranged outside the subject;    an instrument channel which is arranged in the insertion section and extends from the operation section to a distal end of the insertion section; and    observation means for observing an interior of the subject; and    an instrument having:    an instrument insertion unit which is to be inserted into the subject through the instrument channel; and    sample-obtaining means arranged at the distal end of the instrument insertion unit and configured to obtain a biopsy sample; and    receptacle means arranged at the operation section and configured to contain the biopsy sample obtained by the instrument; and    said container having:    a container body; and    a coupling part which is configured to be attached and detached to and from the endoscope system.    
   
   
       15 . The biopsy-sample container according to  claim 14 , wherein 
 the container body comprises identification means for identifying the biopsy sample.    
   
   
       16 . The biopsy-sample container according to  claim 14 , wherein 
 the container body has a filter configured to separate a biopsy sample into a solid sample and a liquid sample.    
   
   
       17 . The biopsy-sample container according to  claim 14 , wherein 
 the container body is depressurized.    
   
   
       18 . The biopsy-sample container according to  claim 14 , wherein 
 the container body contains a reagent for treatment the biopsy sample.    
   
   
       19 . The biopsy-sample container according to  claim 18 , wherein 
 the reagent is an agent for stabilizing nucleic acid.    
   
   
       20 . The biopsy-sample container according to  claim 18 , wherein 
 the reagent is an agent for treatment nucleic acid, protein, cells, tissues or blood.    
   
   
       21 . The biopsy-sample container according to  claim 18 , wherein 
 the reagent is contained in gel.    
   
   
       22 . A method of obtaining a biopsy sample, comprising: 
 a insertion step of inserting an instrument insertion unit of an instrument for use with endoscopes, into a subject through an instrument channel of an endoscope configured for observation of the interior of the subject;    a biopsy-sample obtaining step of obtaining a biopsy sample by using sample-obtaining means arranged at a distal end part of the instrument insertion unit; and    a sample introducing step of introducing the biopsy sample obtained by the sample-obtaining means arranged at the distal end part of the instrument insertion unit, into receptacle means attached to the distal end of the instrument insertion unit.    
   
   
       23 . The method of obtaining a biopsy sample, according to  claim 22 , wherein 
 a sample-treatment step of treatment the biopsy sample by introducing the sample into the receptacle means which contains a reagent.    
   
   
       24 . The method of obtaining a biopsy sample, according to  claim 23 , further comprising a stirring step of stirring the biopsy sample and the reagent in the receptacle means.  
   
   
       25 . The method of obtaining a biopsy sample, according to  claim 22 , further comprising a culturing step of culturing cells contained in the biopsy sample introduced into the receptacle means.  
   
   
       26 . A method of treatment a biopsy sample, comprising: 
 a insertion step of inserting an instrument insertion unit of an instrument for use with endoscopes, into a subject through an instrument channel of an endoscope configured for observation of the interior of the subject;    a biopsy-sample obtaining step of obtaining a biopsy sample by using sample-obtaining means arranged at a distal end part of the instrument insertion unit; and    a sample introducing step of introducing the biopsy sample obtained by the sample-obtaining means, into receptacle means attached to the endoscope; and    a treatment step of performing, on the biopsy sample contained in the receptacle means, at least one treat selected from the group consisting of reagent treatment, refrigeration, freezing, freeze-drying, thermal insulation and culture.